FIFA Club WC, Semi-finals | Wed: PSG 4-0 R_Madrid ; Tue: Fluminense 0-2 Chelsea

Walters_19_MuFc said:
While having better players undoubtedly helps, a top manager should be able to implement a clear style of play without needing endless time or a complete overhaul of the squad. Quality players will naturally enhance the execution, but the tactical identity should be visible from the outset.

Take Xabi Alonso, for example — he inherited largely the same group of players that Carlo Ancelotti had, yet the style of football he’s implemented is noticeably different. That’s not to downplay what Ancelotti achieved — he's one of the greatest managers in football history — but it illustrates the point well: a distinct style doesn’t have to wait for a perfect squad to appear.
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This basically the same team that won a CL-Liga double 12 months ago. Having gone through one disappointing season -mostly due to losing key players- doesn’t compare to what we’ve been through.

They haven’t changed much, only added top players before this CWC, It is obviously a lot easier to implement a visible distinct (and successful) style with their squad of winners than it is with ours.


PS: Not particularly interested in defending Amorim, just saying this is not comparable. What Alonso did in Germany is worth more.
 
Pintu said:
This basically the same team that won a CL-Liga double 12 months ago. Having gone through one disappointing season -mostly due to losing key players- doesn’t compare to what we’ve been through.

They haven’t changed much, only added top players before this CWC, It is obviously a lot easier to implement a visible distinct (and successful) style with their squad of winners than it is with ours.


PS: Not particularly interested in defending Amorim, just saying this is not comparable. What Alonso did in Germany is worth more.
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Why is this point still being missed? Yes, we all know having better players helps — that’s a given. But you’d think we were fielding semi-professionals the way some people talk about our squad. If I listed our starting XI, including the bench, you’d see a team filled with full internationals and players who’ve competed at the highest level — either here or at previous clubs.

Let’s be clear: whether or not you believe we need upgrades, sitting 15th is a massive underachievement. It’s unacceptable for a club of this size and with this group of players.

But the heart of my point isn’t just about results — it’s about identity. A manager should be able to implement a clear style of play, regardless of personnel. We’ve seen this before. When Van Gaal replaced Moyes — who had us playing mostly counter-attacking football — he immediately introduced a distinct possession-based system. Was it the most exciting football? No. Would it have been better with stronger players? Absolutely. But the style was clear from day one.

That’s what I’m saying. The tactical identity should be visible, even if the execution isn’t perfect. Better players refine a style — they don’t define whether it exists in the first place.
 
Good thing he pulls his foot away at the very end because this could have been a criminal charge.
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
Why is this point still being missed? Yes, we all know having better players helps — that’s a given. But you’d think we were fielding semi-professionals the way some people talk about our squad. If I listed our starting XI, including the bench, you’d see a team filled with full internationals and players who’ve competed at the highest level — either here or at previous clubs.

Let’s be clear: whether or not you believe we need upgrades, sitting 15th is a massive underachievement. It’s unacceptable for a club of this size and with this group of players.

But the heart of my point isn’t just about results — it’s about identity. A manager should be able to implement a clear style of play, regardless of personnel. We’ve seen this before. When Van Gaal replaced Moyes — who had us playing mostly counter-attacking football — he immediately introduced a distinct possession-based system. Was it the most exciting football? No. Would it have been better with stronger players? Absolutely. But the style was clear from day one.

That’s what I’m saying. The tactical identity should be visible, even if the execution isn’t perfect. Better players refine a style — they don’t define whether it exists in the first place.
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United aren’t even in the competition

Stop derailing the thread please
 
Whoever came up with this "Superior Player of the Match" should be fired and never be involved with football again.
 
Have watched some of the games in this tournament, not many, for some reason mostly when Real Madrid has played, is it just me or it looks like Arda Guler will be pulling strings this season? Also, Bellingham has been quite disappointing from what I have seen so far, although I may be a bit prejucided against him for his petulance from earlier.
 
Bosnian_fan said:
Have watched some of the games in this tournament, not many, for some reason mostly when Real Madrid has played, is it just me or it looks like Arda Guler will be pulling strings this season? Also, Bellingham has been quite disappointing from what I have seen so far, although I may be a bit prejucided against him for his petulance from earlier.
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Guler in midfield has worked better than it seems to have any right to so far, but Madrid have played some pretty poor teams.

Dunno how he'll do in that role against PSG.
 
This has been the most pedestrian knockout game in ages. Looks like Dortmund players want to make sure they never have to wear this atrocity ever again.

EDIT - Well
 
Madrid saved by two moments of brilliance. Dortmund can have some regrets.

On the other hand, both PSG and Madrid have a defender suspended.
 
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